The world of home entertainment has a decidedly different landscape than that of 20 years ago. From the ability to take control of programming through digital video recorders and pay-per-view options to the ever expanding list of programming choices available in any niche, consumers have an increasing ability to individualize the entertainment they enjoy in their homes. Interactive television is another option that is now offered which allows viewers to obtain even more for their entertainment dollar.

Echostar's Dish Network satellite television service provides DishHome Interactive Channel 100 which gives subscribers access to a wide variety of interactive programming, but for many families the various game packages provide the greatest attraction. In keeping with the theory that the family which plays together stays together, these Dish Network packages could certainly play a role in family harmony.

One of the more popular packages, DishGAMES, offers 16 games from Pixel Play including ASTEROID MEGA, CENTIPEDE MEGA, CHAINZ, JUMBLE, TextTwist, and other titles from Atari, Hasbro, MumboJumbo, and Real Arcade. This package offers interactive features such as score submission, leader boards, tournament capabilities, prizing, and polling creating a greater sense of individual, community, or family challenge and competition. The KidsWise feature even offers "edutainment" games to build reading, problem solving and thinking skills. The affordable $4.99/mo or $49.99/year pricing is attractive but current non-subscribers can easily experience these games via a demonstration on the Dish Network site for free before making any purchase.

For those seeking something even less expensive or wanting a bit more of a brain buzz, Dish Network also offers Buzztime Trivia. For $3.99/month or $43.89/year, a wide variety of Trivia games are available for individuals or the whole family.

From action, adventure, and sports to casino-style, puzzle, board, and strategy games Playin'-TV is a package that offers a huge variety which can assure that every member of the family will be seeking out some stay-at-home time. With a monthly rate of $4.99 or annual $54.89, it is still a viable option for most families.

The final offering is a great option for those on a stricter entertainment budget. Dish Network's PlayJam provides an ever changing lineup of some of the more hip and currently popular games. With 13 to 15 games offered at any time, most families will discover numerous choices to feed their entertainment cravings. One of the most attractive features of this package however is that there are free levels to all of the games making it affordable for any Dish Network subscriber.

Interactive programming is bringing control of home entertainment into the hands of viewers; and in the case of Dish Network's interactive game packages, it is also bringing families together.